Once a child soldier in war-torn Sudan, Emmanuel Jal will give a lecture on his life, then sing to highlight his message of peace and reconciliation, at 7:30 p.m. April 23 in the University Union at Slippery Rock University. This and many other events are part of the annual Kaleidoscope Arts Festival taking place in the Slippery Rock Community April 15 to 26.

SLIPPERY ROCK Art, music, theater and dance along with internationally-known speakers and a special Children's Day make up the annual Kaleidoscope Arts Festival planned April 15 to 26 at Slippery Rock University and around the community.

Events will include:

• Opening celebration featuring local bands, 4:30 to 8 p.m. April 15 on the Quad at SRU. Picnic dinner available. Call 724-738-4065.

SRU theater department presents Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler," 8 p.m. April 15 to 19 with a matinee at 2 p.m. April 19 in SRU's Miller Auditorium. For tickets, call 724-738-2063.

• Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. April 17 in SRU's Swope Music Building. Call 724-738-2063.

Flute Choir and Chamber Flute Ensembles, 4 p.m. April 19 in SRU's Swope Music Building. Admission is $3, or free for SRU students with ID. Call 724-738-2063.

• Brass Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. April 19 in SRU's Swope Music Building. Admission is $3, or free for SRU students with ID. Call 724-738-2063.

Kevin Radaker as Henry Thoreau in a dramatic monologue, part of an interactive program, 4 p.m. April 20 in SRU's Spotts World Culture Building. Admission is free. Call 724-738-2043.

• Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. April 21 in SRU's Miller Auditorium. Admission is $3, or free for SRU students with ID. Call 724-738-2063.

• Brave New Plays, featuring the best of SRU's student plays and performances, 8 p.m. April 21 and 22 in Sheehy Theatre in the Maltby building. Admission is $3. Call 724-738-2090.

• Taiko Drummers, traditional Japanese music, 7:30 p.m. April 22 in SRU's Swope Music Building. Admission is free. Call 724-738-4065.

• SLAB #4 Literary Magazine release party, 7:30 p.m. April 22 at SRU's Alumni House. Admission is free.

• Emmanuel Jal, once a child soldier on the front lines of combat in war-torn Sudan, has been hailed as the "rising star of African hip hop." He will give a lecture on his inspiring life, then sing to highlight his message of peace and reconciliation beginning at 7:30 p.m. April 23 in SRU's University Union. Tickets re $5, and are available at the University Union or by calling 724-738-2104.

• An exhibit featuring the work of SRU students will open with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. April 24 on Main Street in downtown Slippery Rock across from The Brewery. Admission is free. Call 724-738-2020.

• Performers between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. April 25 on Main Street in Slippery Rock will include: The Lonesome No More Band, Between Liberties, Panama Red, Brad Yoder, Brett Allen Morgan, Rick Malis, Emily Rodgers, Mark Muretisch, Rising Regina and Jay Hitt. Tommy Womack will play at 7 p.m. at North Country Brewery.

• A contemporary dance concert called "Something in the Way They Move," with shows at 5 and 8 p.m. April 25 in SRU's Swope Music Building. Admission is $5, or $3 for SRU students. Call 724-738-2036.

Extra Children's Day festivities are planned for April 18.

A complete list of events is available at kaleidoscope.sru.edu.